Why Insurance Is the Most Confusing Part of a Spain Visa
Many applicants in Colombia assume that any international medical plan or travel insurance will be accepted for a Spanish visa. In practice, Spanish consulates apply strict rules and often reject policies that are missing key conditions.
The biggest issues are usually co-payments, waiting periods, limited coverage, or insurance that does not properly operate in Spain.
The consulate is not looking for the “cheapest” plan — it is looking for a plan that is clearly compliant with Spanish immigration requirements.
What This Page Will Help You Do
This guide is designed to make the insurance part of your visa process simple. You will learn what Spain requires, what documents the consulate expects, and how to choose a policy that avoids delays.
- What “visa compliant” insurance means in Spain
- How to check if your policy meets the rules
- Typical costs for applicants from Colombia
- Common mistakes that lead to rejection
What Spain Requires From Your Health Insurance
Insurance must be valid and usable in Spain
For most long-stay visa types, your policy must operate in Spain and be accepted by Spanish healthcare providers. Many consulates prefer policies issued by Spanish insurers or policies that clearly state coverage is valid in Spain.
Mandatory coverage features
A Spain visa compliant health insurance policy normally needs to include:
- No co-payments (sin copagos)
- No waiting periods (sin carencias)
- Full medical coverage including doctor visits and specialist care
- Diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalisation
- Repatriation of remains (commonly required)
Coverage duration must match your stay
Your insurance certificate should show coverage for the full period you will stay in Spain. If you buy a shorter policy, you may need supporting documents (such as an admission letter or invitation letter) that justify the shorter duration.
Always check your certificate language. It should clearly confirm full coverage in Spain, with no co-payments and no waiting periods.
Typical Costs for Applicants From Colombia
Costs vary by age, visa type, duration, and insurer network. As a general expectation:
- Student visa plans: €45–€80 per month
- Non-lucrative and residency plans: €60–€120 per month
- Annual policies are commonly required for long-stay visas and residency
Some low-priced plans may look attractive, but if they include co-payments or waiting periods, they can create visa complications.
How to Choose a Policy That Gets Accepted
What to look for in your insurance certificate
A strong certificate should include your full name, policy number, coverage dates, and a clear statement of full medical coverage in Spain. It should also confirm no co-payments and no waiting periods when those conditions apply.
Insurers commonly used for Spain visas
Many applicants choose well-known Spanish insurers because their documentation is typically aligned with visa requirements. Common examples include ASISA, advigon, Adeslas, and DKV (availability depends on distribution and country channel).
Avoid the most common mistake: travel insurance
Travel insurance focuses on short trips, trip interruption, and limited emergency coverage. For a long-stay visa, consulates usually expect comprehensive medical coverage similar to local private health insurance in Spain.
Costs and Recommended Compliant Plans
Health insurance costs for students in Spain are generally predictable. We offer plans specifically accepted by Spanish universities and immigration authorities.
Visa Confidence Standard
- Guaranteed visa compliance
- No copay coverage
- 40K+ provider network
- Instant certificate
- Repatriation included
- Zero financial risk before visa approval
Visa Confidence Flexible
- Reimbursement option
- Cancel anytime
- Instant visa certificate
- Easy refunds
- Full visa compliance
Secure your visa safely — without paying the full premium upfront.
The easiest way to avoid delays from Colombia
If you are applying from Colombia, the easiest way to reduce visa stress is to treat insurance like a compliance document, not just a purchase.
Choose a policy designed for Spanish visas, and confirm the certificate wording matches what the consulate expects. When the insurance document is clean and compliant, your overall visa file becomes much stronger.
The goal is simple: remove uncertainty, avoid avoidable mistakes, and make your Spain visa process smoother from start to finish.